The North West Province in South Africa has intensified efforts to contain the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) after 17 new cases were confirmed across several municipalities, raising concerns about the impact on livestock production and rural livelihoods.
According to a statement by the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Communication Services Directorate, the newly reported cases were recorded in Mahikeng, Rustenburg, Kagisano-Molopo, Ditsobotla, Lekwa-Teemane and Naledi local municipalities. Naledi accounted for the highest number with seven cases, while Mahikeng and Kagisano-Molopo each recorded three cases.
The outbreak has prompted authorities to strengthen disease management interventions aimed at preventing further transmission of the highly contagious livestock disease. Foot-and-Mouth Disease affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and buffalo, and poses a serious threat to the livestock industry and food security.
According to the he statement, the disease is managed as a herd infection, where representative samples are tested and positive results are applied to the entire herd in line with established veterinary protocols.
North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Madoda Sambatha said the provincial government remains committed to protecting farmers and the livestock sector from the growing threat posed by the outbreak.
“We are working tirelessly with veterinary teams, farmers, and industry partners to contain the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease,” Sambatha said. He urged livestock owners to cooperate with veterinary officials, observe strict biosecurity measures and report suspected cases immediately.
The department is also investigating a suspected outbreak involving cattle, roan antelope, sable antelope and buffalo in Kagisano-Molopo and that two roan antelopes are showing lesions commonly associated with FMD.
Authorities are particularly concerned about the close proximity between the roan antelope and buffalo, which are separated only by a fence, increasing the risk of aerosol transmission and direct contact.
To strengthen vaccination efforts, the province has allocated 23,300 vaccine doses to approved private veterinarians and an additional 100,000 doses to the Feedlot Association of South Africa for preventative vaccination programmes in feedlots.
The department is also considering deploying Food and Agriculture Organization-supported Animal Health Technician companies to assist with vaccination campaigns.
Additional support has been pledged by Red Meat Industry Services, which plans to deploy eight Animal Health Technicians across affected municipalities to support field operations and disease control measures.
